Texas Shed Permit Rules: City-by-City Guide
Texas does not have a single statewide rule for shed permits. Each city sets its own threshold for when a building permit is required. This means the rules in Austin are different from Houston, which are different from Dallas. Here is exactly what you need to know for every major Texas city.
Austin Shed Permits
Permit threshold: 200 square feet. Austin is one of the more permissive Texas cities for shed construction. If your shed is under 200 sq ft, you generally do not need a building permit. However, setback requirements still apply: 5 feet from the front, 5 feet from the sides, and 5 feet from the rear property line. Permit fees when required range from $50 to $200.
Austin enforces the International Residential Code with local amendments. The city's Development Services Department handles all residential building permits. View full Austin shed permit details →
Houston Shed Permits
Houston is unique among major U.S. cities — it has no zoning code. However, this does not mean no rules apply. The city still requires building permits for accessory structures, and deed restrictions in many neighborhoods function similarly to zoning. Permit fees for sheds range from $50 to $200.
Houston's lack of zoning means setback requirements are primarily governed by deed restrictions and the city's building code. Always check your deed restrictions before building. View full Houston shed permit details →
Dallas Shed Permits
Permit threshold: 120 square feet. Dallas has a stricter threshold than Austin and Houston. Sheds over 120 sq ft require a building permit from the Dallas Building Inspection Division. The city enforces standard setback requirements and height limits for accessory structures.
View full Dallas shed permit details →
San Antonio Shed Permits
Permit threshold: 120 square feet. San Antonio requires permits for sheds exceeding 120 sq ft. The city's Development Services Department processes residential shed permits, typically within 5-10 business days for straightforward applications.
View full San Antonio shed permit details →
Texas City Comparison Table
| City | Threshold | Fees | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austin | 200 sq ft | $50-$200 | View rules |
| Houston | Varies | $50-$200 | View rules |
| Dallas | 120 sq ft | $75-$250 | View rules |
| San Antonio | 120 sq ft | $50-$200 | View rules |
| Arlington | 120 sq ft | $50-$200 | View rules |
Key Takeaways for Texas Homeowners
- Texas has no statewide shed permit rule — each city is different
- Thresholds range from 120 sq ft (Dallas, San Antonio) to 200 sq ft (Austin, Houston)
- Even without a permit, setback and deed restriction rules apply everywhere
- Permit costs are modest ($50-$250) compared to potential fines ($500-$5,000+)
- Always call 811 before digging — Texas law requires it
Browse all Texas cities on PermitRules →